Downtown multi-reeds wiz, Michael Marcus, has been concentrating on B-flat clarinet only on his past few discs. This is good thing since Mr. Marcus just gets better and better on his clarinet. Starting with "As Always, Our Blessings", Michael plays exquisitely and spiritually with strong piano, bass and drums around him. Somewhere in between Andy Statman and Ben Goldberg, Michael plays his clarinet most expressively, his solo here is just right. "Seal Rock - Bird Rock" is done as a duo and a trio with the great Jay Rosen (Trio X) on drums. Jay's cymbal playing is especially fine on both versions. Again, Michael's sly clarinet solo is something go behold. Three of these pieces feature a different rhythm team who are also truly fine. On "Peace People Theme", Michael is joined by Antoine Roney on tenor, both men swirl around one another in righteous tandem with a strong solo from Antoine. I dig the delicate sound of "Elypsis" with a long, inspired, playful (soprano sax-like) solo from Michael. The title track, "Lotus Symphony" is another calm yet inspired piece with a most enchanting theme and superb solo from Mr. Marcus. Over the past decade we've seen/heard more folks concentrating on the clarinet. On "Lotus Symphony", we find that Michael Marcus is one of the best clarinetists around. (BLG, Downtown Music Gallery)
Lotus Symphony finds Marcus in the company of several groups based on the leader's clarinet with one of two rhythm sections, plus guest appearances by tenor saxophonist Antoine Roney and pianist John Austria. Comparing the different readings of these fine compositions is both fascinating and fun...more (Marc Medwin, All About Jazz)
Utwory:
1. As Always, Our Blessings [09:26] 2. Seal Rock - Bird Rock (trio) [06:37] 3. Peace People Theme [06:56] 4. Elypsis [04:40] 5. Sumatra [08:46] 6. Seal Rock - Bird Rock (duet) [03:50] 7. Lotus Symphony [06:12] 8. As Always, Our Blessings (reprise) [01:08]
Wykonawcy:
Michael Marcus - Bb clarinet Antoine Roney (#3) - tenor sax John Austria (#1,8) - piano Radu ben Judah (#1,2,5,7 - bass Rashaan Carter (#3,4) - bass Taru Alexander (#1,3,5) - drums Jay Rosen (#2,4,6,7) - drums
